Education technology is transforming classrooms, administrative offices and virtually every other aspect of the 21st century learning experience. But for the young learners themselves, the biggest single game-changer is almost always the 1:1 digital learning device that’s placed in their hands.
In district after district where individual computing tools are introduced, student engagement and collaboration skyrocket as teachers adopt a more discovery-focused approach to education. Often, this school-issued device is the first and only computer in a student’s household, opening up a new world of learning opportunity for his or her entire family. The advantages of 1:1 devices extend to instructors and administrators as well, as everyone in the district takes advantage of this new ability to access, share and manipulate information securely.
In its role as an education-focused technology provider, UDT is responsible for helping school districts to acquire, customize, organize, distribute and manage thousands of these devices. The districts themselves identify their various end-user categories and their specific computing needs; UDT then helps them match those needs against an amazing portfolio of desktop and mobile form factors now available: traditional towers, All-in-Ones, mini-PCs and NUCs; slim laptops and Ultrabook* devices; tablets; and convertible or detachable 2 in 1s.
Ensuring complete compatibility
Choosing the right device platform is important, especially if a district has made a significant investment in new education software – all solution elements must be compatible. For that reason, UDT recommends devices based on Intel® architecture, known for delivering fast performance, high portability and long battery life, as well as modern security features for remote manageability to protect student data, resist cyber attacks and help lower IT costs.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s a good thing,” said Tony Cossio, UDT’s Vice President of Public Sector. “With so many form factors to choose from, each with its own features and advantages, it enables UDT to analyze the requirements of each use case to identify the most appropriate technology solution.” In other words, individual demands drive the form factor choice:
“I work in an office” – an administrator, secretary or other staff member who is most productive at the desk can use a full-powered computer like a Desktop PC, Mini-PC or All-in-One that takes up very little room, runs quietly and uses little power.
“I take work home at night” – a teacher who relies on a 1:1 device for in-class engagement with students as well as creating lesson plans and grading assignments at home will benefit from an easily portable device like a Laptop, Ultrabook or 2 in 1 which offers full PC performance as well as touch capabilities for easy navigation through specialized apps.
“I carry everything in my back pack all day” – a student who uses a 1:1 digital device for a variety of classroom tasks throughout the day will appreciate a lightweight, device like a Laptop, Ultrabook or Tablet that delivers a media-rich user experience with versatile input capabilities, including touch.
UDT can enable an effective 1:1 environment by matching the right computing device to each individual user profile, helping to ensure that all technology ingredients, regardless of form factor, work together seamlessly and securely. Contact UDT to learn more about a 3600 solution for digital learning convergence. And, learn more about UDT’s successful program for Miami Dade Schools.
